Interview: 2021 LB Kenya Dorsey Readies for Another Title Run with Rancho Verde
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Kenya Dorsey may only be entering his junior season, but the Rancho Verde linebacker is a true California veteran entering his third year of varsity ball with the Mustangs. After a 92-tackle season in 2017, Dorsey (6-0.5, 225) followed that up with a 61-stop, 10-tackle for a loss campaign helping his squad to a 13-1 mark a year ago. Rancho Verde made a run to the Division II CIF Southern Section Championship Game in 2018 and return a talented squad that has the potential for another title game run this season.
To catch up on the Mustangs 2-1 get off and Dorsey’s hot start to the year with 22 tackles, 18 solo, three tackles for a loss, a sack, we sat down for a quick one-on-one.
*Click link for July 2, 2019, RNG video interview with Kenya Dorsey
Interview
Kenya, you were all over the field last season making plays at your linebacker position. What did you work on this offseason to prepare for the 2019 grind?
“I worked on my hands, getting around blocks and shedding them. I also worked on making the right steps, steps into the gap, and filling holes making tackles.”
Three games into the season and you are already filling in the stat sheet. Which areas of your game are showing improvement over last season?
“My most improvement shown was in my second game. I was getting to the ball faster, moving quicker, using my hands, making a lot of tackles, and I had a sack.”
What do you now feel are the strengths to your overall game?
“The strengths to my game are my overall strength, my hands, quickness of feet, and reading my keys – the guards and near back making sure I fill my hole correctly.”
Are you doing anything differently within the Mustangs’ defensive scheme this season?
“We are keying on the run first in our defense. We are gunning on the run before we get to the pass. My coaches are using me more on the line at the end spot, and some at the nose.”
You guys get a bye this week, is there anything with your game you are working on over the bye for the run through the rest of the schedule?
“I am mainly working on getting my team together making sure we know our assignments and we execute on the field.”
With your junior season getting going, which schools are showing recruiting interest?
“UCLA, Utah, USC, and Oregon. I got a letter from Tulane today.”
Nice. Did you visit any schools over the offseason?
“Yes. I visited Cal, La Verne, and University of San Diego.”
How did the Cal visit go?
“It went well. I talked to the coaches, got to know the coaches, and took some pictures.
Last question for you. What goals have you set for the 2019 season?
“My goal is to get five sacks or more and make sure I lead my team to a CIF championship.”
Kenya, thanks for your time today and good luck the rest of the way.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: RNG; Kenya Dorsey